Around 40 million children currently out of school worldwide live in countries affected by conflict and instability. Ensuring that such children don’t miss out on a quality education is vital to their development, so the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are teaming up to launch a new Education in Emergencies initiative in Nairobi, Kenya.
The new project will build a hub of expertise in East Africa by offering a Master’s and certificate program for Education in Emergencies at the UoN’s School of Education. Courses will combine coursework, on-the-ground placements and research to help students and existing practitioners develop the essential skills and competencies to deliver education in complex emergencies.
“Since Nairobi is already a center for humanitarian aid workers in the region, the city is ideally suited to become a hub for education in emergencies’ expertise and training in East Africa,” says Kellie Leeson, IRC Country Director in Kenya.
The University of Nairobi, the largest and oldest university in Kenya, is ideally positioned to focus on Education in Emergencies. Professor Gerald Kimani, Chair for the Educational Administration and Planning Department, says: “While this program will greatly contribute to building the capacity of students, practitioners and professors affiliated with the program, our ultimate goal is to ensure that more children affected by emergencies and conflict in Africa can continue to receive a quality education.”
“All children, wherever they live, have the right to education. Those who have been displaced by conflict, natural disaster or other emergencies should not be deprived of this right. This new initiative will ensure there are more resources available to supporting these children in the years to come,” Kimani adds.
The UoN and IRC plan to greatly expand this partnership to include other academic institutions and international organizations in developing the curriculum, creating practical learning opportunities for students, shaping the research agenda and hiring graduates.
This unique three-year project has been made possible with financial support from Unbound Philanthropy, a private U.S. foundation.
For more information:
Loise Wambui, UoN Education in Emergencies Programme Coordinator: lopawer@yahoo.com
Tel: +254 (0) 721 640 716
Mary Mendenhall, IRC Consultant: mary.mendenhall@theirc.org
Tel: +254 (0) 20 272 0064
Jo Offer, IRC Regional Media Manager: joanne.offer@theirc.org
Tel: + 254 (0) 737 800 028.
About the International Rescue Committee: A global leader in humanitarian assistance, the International Rescue Committee works in 42 countries offering help and hope to refugees and others uprooted by conflict and oppression. During crises, IRC teams provide health care, shelter, clean water, sanitation, learning programs for children and special aid for women. As emergencies subside, the IRC stays to revive livelihoods and help shattered communities recover and rebuild. The IRC also helps resettle refugees admitted into the United States. A tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, the IRC is committed to restoring hope, dignity and opportunity. For more information, visit www.theIRC.org
About the University of Nairobi: UoN is a world-class university committed to academic excellence. Located within the central business district of Nairobi, it offers 400 academic programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate level to a student population of over 45,000. The University is supported by a staff compliment of 5,000 and has an alumni base of over 100,000 spread worldwide. UoN provides quality university education to embody the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global environment through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge. Visit www.uonbi.ac.ke for more information.
